| '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free

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| ''Can't search the index listed above?''

| ''Can't search the index listed above?''

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| Go to Step Two listed below and order a search for your ancestor from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp West Virginia Department of Health State Office].

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| Go to Step Two listed below and order a search for your ancestor from the [http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/vr/ South Carolina Department of Health State Office] or [http://archives.sc.gov/recordsheld/Pages/GenealogyResources.aspx South Carolina Department of Archives and History].

| County websites can be more difficult to use; does not include certificates from 2005 to the present

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| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee

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| Includes all existing years

| May be more expensive than ordering from the county

| May be more expensive than ordering from the county

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'''If you do not know the exact date or place of death:'''<br> For a fee, the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp West Virginia Department of Health office] will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).<br>

'''''Restrictions for persons who died within the last 50 years:'''''<br> To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:

'''''Restrictions for persons who died within the last 50 years:'''''<br> To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:

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:*The parents and grandparents of person on the certificate

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:*The immediate family member of the person on the certificate (or one of their legal representatives)

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:*The wife or husband of the person on the certificate

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:*A person who demonstrates a direct and tangible interest when information is needed to determine a personal or a property right

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:*The children and grandchildren of the person on the certificate

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:*The brothers or sisters of the person on the certificate

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:*Funeral director

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:*Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate

:*Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate

::'''NOTE:''' A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.

::'''NOTE:''' A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.

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Death certificates from 1915 to 1955 are available on microfilm through the Family History Library: {{FHL|769125|item|disp=FHL films 1913451 (1st of 654 films)}}.

'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]] you can search.<br>'''

'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]] you can search.<br>'''

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<center>[[How to Find West Virginia Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>

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<center>[[How to Find South Carolina Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>

Next Step: When did the death occur?

Deaths before 1915

Before 1915, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. The cities of Charleston, Georgetown, Spartanburg, and Union City are exceptions. Learn more. In most cases, you must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.